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A member of the grass family, bamboo is one of the world’s greenest materials, capable of replenishing itself in a single growth cycle. Surprisingly durable, bamboo can be used for a variety of functions and products, as well as for a variety of decorative styles. From a chic, contemporary room with blond flooring, to a fun, tropical-themed room with bamboo-framed beach signs, the sturdy grass is an affordable and renewable material that is as versatile, as strong and as attractive as wood.

When it comes to decorating with this versatile material, black bamboo raises the bar on style. The sable color and natural form has a look of exotic elegance. Evoking scenes of luxury, it adds a layer of sophistication to homes, both indoors and out. No matter what the decorative style of a home, including accents or furnishings crafted from the glossy black canes adds an international flair to the design, as if the furnishings were collected carefully over time through extensive travel.

While black bamboo poles have the look of rare and expensive ebony wood, they are far less costly. Affordable, they can be used without restraint to make the most of their striking appearance. As a bundle displayed in a large vase, they make a strong design statement that adds style, depth and texture to a room’s decor. They can be used to create distinctive frames for black and white photographs. These poles can quickly transform a simple mirror into a handsome accent.

Professional decorators and landscapers value the color black as a design element. Black adds weight, mass, depth and gravitas to both interiors and exteriors. When the color is available in a natural material, it becomes even more useful in design. Indoors, the inky color adds a feeling of weight and durability to a coffee table crafted with bamboo poles and a glass top. Outdoors, using black outdoor bamboo fencing will make a yard or garden appear larger than it is, while adding a note of modern style to the scene.

Natural elements, such as canes, grasses, wood and stone, are valuable design elements as well. They can be used to give rooms the exotic feel of a tropical jungle or to create the serene mood of the seaside at sunset. Both indoor and outdoors spaces are always more effective when the goal is to create an environment that best suits those who inhabit them. Using natural, renewable materials like black bamboo is an affordable way to establish atmosphere with style.

Adding light to your landscaping will not only add security, but the right lighting will also make your décor stand out during those moonlit nights.

Here’s some tips for setting up lighting for your landscape or garden.

Before purchasing your lighting, you need to decide how much light you want to add to your property. Taking a walk around your property at night will help you decide where the most lighting is needed for both safety and ambience. The moon and any streetlights will be your guide in helping where more lighting is needed.

Places such as stairways and walkways need more lighting than moonlight or a small porch light. This is not only a safety issue but also where security could be an issue. Lights do not have to be as bright as spotlights, but adequate lighting could also detour a possible criminal from trespassing.

Those who are looking to break into a dwelling will look for the darkest way to enter. By having lighting in these areas, you are adding security for you and your family.

Once you have budgeted how much you would like to spend, be sure to shop around. Buying the best product at the best price will help save money on your landscaping project purchases. The money that is saved can be used on other projects that you would like to complete.

Once the lighting is purchased it is then time for the installation process. As a safety measure, be sure not to place lighting where someone will trip over the fixture or any type of wiring. The best of intentions when installing outside lighting can cause an accident if they are too close to a walkway. Many wires can be hidden under a layer of rocks, under the soil, or behind other objects.

In regards to the placement of the fixtures, the fixtures do not have to show unless you purchased special lights that are meant to be seen. Some landscapers may suggest to do just the opposite and have the lights hidden so that the landscaping is seen, not the lights. This makes the landscaping more attractive, both during the day and at night. Fixtures can be hidden in the bushes or on the side of larger objects. When the lights are turned on, they will then cast a nice hue on a tree or decoration and are not too bright. Having lights that are overpowering will distract from the landscaping instead of adding to it.

Planning and budgeting are key elements in creating a beautiful landscape. Be advised that anything electrical will add some cost to your electric bill each month. This extra cost in the electric bill is something that may or may not be of importance, as it depends upon how often the feature will be used and if there is a solar option or not.

For questions on outdoor lighting, contact local landscapers or nurseries; they have experience in lighting options and their insights could save you a buck or two. Some landscapers even provide a consulting services where for a small onetime fee they will come to your residence and tell you exactly what you need to buy, how to install it on your own, and give you an idea of how your lights should be placed on your landscape for the best visual appeal.

Having a swimming pool constructed is one step in many when you’re looking to landscape your backyard. When it comes to landscape architecture around your home, you choose plants, flowers, trees or even gazebos or garden swings. Once you’ve added a swimming pool to the mix and you have added another dimension to what you can do to enhance your backyard and your outdoor living experience.

Whether you consider gardening a casual hobby or a full-time endeavor, it does take plenty of pre-planning to realize the outdoor decorating dream you’d hoped for when you started. As with any landscaping project, it’s always a great idea to talk to your swimming pool designer or landscape designer unless you’re able to visualize a landscape from start to finish.

Prior to contacting anyone regarding your initial plans for landscaping, it’s best to sketch out what you hope the completed project will look like. Next, determine which types of flowers, plants or crawling vines you want to incorporate into your landscaping theme. Remember, you don’t want too many trees dropping leaves into your swimming pool or spa.

Another part of landscaping can be the addition of an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit or even a Zen garden. Will you be using your outdoor space for family parties or for an entertaining space for colleagues or business associates? Depending on the area of the country in which you live, having a pool house or a gazebo constructed can extend the number of months you can spend outside around the pool. The outdoor kitchen or fire pit also adds another level of outdoor living fun.

Another way to undertake the beginning phase of your landscaping project is by taking photographs of gardenscapes you enjoy and by looking through gardening magazines for inspiration.

Here are other places to look for inspiration for your landscaping project:

The internet

Gardening and landscaping shows or trade shows

Thumb through landscaping or gardening magazines

Take a walk around your neighborhood for inspiration.

Take stock of why you want to landscape and what you’re hoping to accomplish. Do you want a serene, relaxation space? Are you looking to turn your yard into a rustic getaway? Or are you looking for a lush oasis of flowering plants and waterfalls? Regardless of what you hope to accomplish with your landscape design, you are sure to enjoy it once the project is done. Choose the perfect furniture and you have taken your outdoor living space to an even higher level!